Win2K server and thin clients

[shyster]

OK, heres what I would like to do.

I would like to have a class of machine on my network that have no hard-disk and that boot remotely accross the LAN. My research so far suggests that Linux supports such configurations, but I really, REALLY dont want to have to resort to Linux!

Is this possible under Win2K?

 

[Junior1544]

i havn't done any research on this subject, but i've been told it's possible, so don't lose heart... i believe it can be done...

 

[MDonato]

I believe you are looking for Microsoft Terminal Services. Terminal Services comes as part of Win2K server, you just need to license the connections for it. You can use terminals from WYSE, Compaq, IBM and many others to connect to the terminal server. For more features than the base terminal services, you can put different versions of Citrix MetaFrame on top of Terminal services and it will give you added functinality like load balancing, Resource Management, the faster ICA client, and more.

the whole terminal services / Citrix solution will allow you to use a "dumb" client (usually Windows CE based), or an old pc with the client software loaded up on it to access and completely run your windows session from the server.

If this is what you're looking for, let me know and I can give you some more info.

-Mike
Michael A. Dontato MCNE, MCSE, CCA
mdonato@site-technologies.com

http://www.site-technologies.com

 

[shyster]

Mike,

I use terminal services to admin my server, but what I'd like for my thin clients is to have them boot entirely off the network. Diskless.

Now, you mentioned CE. Do you mean to say that there is a version of CE that runs on something other than the little handheld tinkertoys?

 

[MDonato]

Yes, go out to

http://www.wyse.com

look at their Winterm line of products. They offer everything from a totally integrated unit with either a 15", 17", or flat screen monitor to a small unit about 1.5"x4"x8". I sell a lot of the 3730LE units. They consist of 16MB of flash mem (used to hold the WindowsCE and device drivers(printers/touchscreens/card readers/etc..)) and 32MB of RAM. They contain both the RDP client and the Citrix ICA client. Built in audio is a feature of most of the units, but can only work with Citrix. The units are flash upgradeable, so as new features and WindowsCE upgrades are released, you simply flash them. Also, you don't have to worry about CD-Rom's, floppy's and other irritating pieces.
I hope this helps, and let me know if you are interested in any more info. IBM, HP, and Compaq all sell thin terminals also, although HP's and Compaq's are actually WYSE units that are relabeled.

-Mike

Michael A. Dontato MCNE, MCSE, CCA
mdonato@site-technologies.com

http://www.site-technologies.com